First Nations contemporary music to shine

The Albanese Labor Government is continuing its support of unique and diverse First Nations musicians – with new funding to help them thrive.

Twelve First Nations-led music organisations across Australia will share in $500,000 under the latest round of the Indigenous Contemporary Music program.

Grant recipients will have access to training, mentoring, skills development and promotional opportunities. The program also supports pathways to ongoing income and employment in the music industry.

Amongst the successful recipients:

• $65,331 will support the Yarrapay Festival, an annual free community event in the remote Indigenous community of Yirrkala in North-East Arnhem Land which showcases local Yolnu music, art, food, and dance and provides local musicians and artists a chance to perform and develop their skills.
• $79,913 will support Mad Proppa Deadly to offer First Nations young people, and emerging and established artists professional development in song writing and producing, as well as recording and performance opportunities across regional and remote New South Wales.
• $40,000 to Footscray Community Arts Centre’s Indigenous Musician Performance and Production Mentorship program, which will provide networks, mentorship, pathways, skills development and performance opportunities for emerging Victorian-based Indigenous musicians.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the funding will create opportunities for First Nations musicians and bands to showcase their music across Australia and beyond.

“Music has always been an important part of First Nations storytelling, and it’s essential we continue to support that,” Minister Burke said. 

“The first pillar of Revive, Australia’s National Cultural Policy, is First Nations First.

“This funding will support our talented First Nations performers and artists, allowing them to share their music with audiences here and overseas.”

The program is inclusive of First Nations performers in urban, regional and remote communities performing and recording in Australia and overseas.

To find out more about the program visit https://www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/indigenous-contemporary-music